Thankful Thursday | in a new year
Hello, everyone! I'm back in non-hospital world again, and it's nice to be here! I worked all but two of the last eight days, so my regular world life has been a little neglected.
(This would not be true if my shifts were shorter, but 12-13 hour days mean that I do basically nothing else on days I work!)
ANYWAY.
I spent a little time this morning catching up on responding to comments, but then I decided I should switch to writing a post. So here we are.
This week, I am thankful:
for a funny viral post experience
I made a quick little "Yay, I got my dream car!" slideshow post for Instagram (which also automatically posts to Threads) and for whatever reason, the posts took off, especially on Instagram.
As of this morning, 652,000 people have viewed it, and there are almost 2400 comments.
The wild thing is: they are almost all kind and supportive.
This is shocking because usually, when a post gets shown to so many non-followers, the comments become rather unhinged.
But somehow, my post made it to all the nice car guys, and their comments made me giggle.
"Maam, this is a W." "This car is goated!" "A Honda Civic? You, ma'am, are a woman of culture."
I think it's so funny (and sweet) that these young car guys are out here cheering on a middle-aged mom who bought a Civic. I love it.
A Civic is an unusual dream car, so I would not have been remotely surprised if I'd gotten ridiculed. But there are only a tiny handful of people who were like, "What a dumb dream car."
So, a thumbs up to all the sweet people out there who cheered me on!
for some days off
The upside of having so many shifts so close together is that now I have seven days off of hospital shifts! Yay! I'm gonna rest, and also address the neglected aspects of my non-hospital life.
When I got home last night, one of my friends sent this to a group chat.
I sent this back, because my NYE outfit was equally un-fancy!
And after I took the photo, I showered and went straight to bed. 9:30 pm was as far as I could make it. Ha.
for the way my discharges worked out
I worked the last three days, and all of my patients stayed until yesterday, when I discharged ⅘ of them. I love when it works out that way; the patients get nice continuity of care, and it also makes my job easier.
(In contrast, sometimes during a string of shifts, it's more like a revolving door with many discharges and admits, and that makes for a much wilder experience.)
that I'm able to help out my co-workers
We also say that nursing is a team sport, and I am happy that I'm competent enough to be helpful to my co-workers now!
In the last few days, I helped some with dressing changes, med administration, and I helped a newly admitted patient get settled last night, so that the night nurse could finish getting report.
(Sometimes, patients get sent to us right at shift change, which is very discombobulating for everyone involved.)
that my friend works on my unit
Brittany and I happened to be in a prereq class together in the fall of 2022, and then we also happened to start nursing school at the same time.
Then she became a tech on my unit, and now we are new grad nurses together on my unit. 🙂
I love how our paths have kept crossing, and I love the way our friendship spans generations (she is a good 25 years younger than me!)
for the happy events of this past year
I listed all of those yesterday, but I want to give them a nod in today's post too! I'm starting 2026 with a degree and a license I didn't have a year ago, and I'm thankful.
for a year of saying the quiet part out loud on Patreon
A year ago, I started my Patreon community, and it's been lovely for me to have a semi-private place to write about my marriage and divorce, and to talk about the things I kept quiet for so long.
I know it has helped me, and I hope that the words I share there help others as well.
for all of you
I appreciate you guys so very much! The way you have cheered me on through these last few years of major changes is no small thing, and I feel so so lucky to have all of you on my team.
What other nursing student has ever been so supported?? I had the largest group of cheerleaders ever. 🙂
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Yay for kind car guys and great coworkers. Hi Brittany! Happy New Year, Kristen and everyone who reads and writes here.
The fact that you got mostly kind comments on your viral car post is kind of restoring my faith in humanity!! Phew! But it is a seriously great car!
@Lisa’s Yarns, sometimes we do get what we deserve. Kind Kristen deserves kind comments.
Tell me about the yarns please?
@Lisa’s Yarns, is your name because you tell tall tales or because you knit?
That is really funny about your car post. The internet has its downsides, but upsides, too.
Thankfuls:
--For a winter that has so far been remarkably free of mucous. I'm guessing it's because we've had a very warm winter so far. I am enjoying not having continually snotty noses, sore throats, and coughs in the house.
--For the very long breaks we get for the holidays. New York did not give these long breaks. Here, we get 17 days off for Christmas break, which is long enough to go somewhere (husband took eldest to see his girlfriend six hours away and also took the younger boys hunting) and then still have time at home.
--For the chance to catch up with my friend while I helped her move furniture and settle in to her new classroom in our new school. I don't see her as much now that I'm not working at the school, so we haven't had as much time to talk.
--That my husband has always been supportive of me finding time for a break now that our kids are old enough that I can leave them. I'm going for my one night in a hotel by myself tomorrow and also this year found a massage therapist in that town that I hope will help with my chronically tight hips. My husband always encourages me to do this after the holidays are done, and I really appreciate that.
--For you, Kristen, and for this blog. It's fun to get a glimpse into other people's lives, both yours and your commenters. That's what the best blogs always did, and there are very few left that are like that. I am old (ish) and like to read actual writing. So thanks for holding out against Tik Tok/X/Instagram/etc.
@kristin @ going country, agreed - I much prefer print as well. Video takes too long, I can read much faster.
@kristin @ going country, you are a woman after my own heart!!! “Remarkably free of mucous” Bwaa haa haa!!
@WilliamB,
My sentiments exactly. The volume stays off on my phone so I never have to hear the audio on social media.
Happy New Year to everyone!
I’m thankful for:
1. This quiet time at the end of the year. I’m usually not very good at relaxing, but for some reason I’ve been able to rest and reflect this past week, and it’s been restorative.
2. The snowflakes falling outside my window right now, they make the world seem cozy and peaceful.
3. Books. They’ve grown me all my life, and though it’s harder now to find those that resonate, when I do it is a gift, and I’m so grateful to those writers.
4. That this quiet time will come to an end, and I’ll be back to my chosen routines, caring for my granddaughter and doing work I (mostly) think is helpful to others.
5. That we are able to celebrate my mother’s birthday soon, in a way she’ll love.
My husband and I were discussing all of last years blessings and achievements. Like many, we see and read about situations worldwide that turn our stomach to lead. At the same time we personally had a very good year and that is something to be very thankful for. I will mention one main topic only: I am back in touch with my sibling with a chronic psychiatric disability, and we are getting on well. I know it may be temporary only, as bipolarity is one part of the condition. But still, to feel a family bond again - I often savour the feeling without being able to find words for it.
Happy New Year, Kristen! I'm glad you've been speaking out on Patreon this year. It's helpful to you and SO many others.
I am thankful for the possibility of rain/snow here in the high desert ... thankful for the sweet blue Christmas lights my neighbor still has up on his cedar tree out front ... thankful for so many great friendships, that my tendonitis has calmed down, that we'll have a lovely New Year's Day brunch with friends ... so many great things already this morning 🙂
Here's to a year of growth and joy!
My dream car is a Toyota Yaris, which is even less fancy than a Corolla.
They stopped selling them in the States in 2000 (it was the car I happened to rent in the Faroes last year) so I guess my realistic dream car is a Honda Fit.
@WilliamB, the Fit was last sold in the US in 2020. It is an awesome little car with a Tardis-like interior for carrying stuff.
@WilliamB,
My daughter SO just purchased a Fit. It is a zippy little car and it has a manual transmission. I love to drive a stick-shift but have not for years.
@WilliamB et al., I'm not sure why Honda keeps discontinuing perfectly good models like the Fit and the Element. Don't tell me there isn't demand for them; I get compliments on my Element everywhere I go.
@A. Marie,
I would love to have an Element. Click and Clack (NPR) loved this vehicle. They used to say there was enough cargo space to transport a cow.
@Bee, I’ve been driving an automatic now since July and I use my husband’s pickup whenever I have an excuse because I miss my stick-shift so much. It’s not nearly as zippy as my ’96 Accord was, and I’m trying to be grateful for the power in the “new” 2004 automatic Accord, but wahhhh.
I specifically did NOT want a stick shift. I know how to drive one, and I did own two stick shift cars in the past, but I just wanted the ease of an automatic. 🙂
@A. Marie, my mother in law just got an element used not too long ago. very hard for me to get in and out of the back. but it still is a nice car.
@Bee, I miss Click and Clack!!!
@Plaidkaren, Clack (Ray) is back! https://www.npr.org/2025/10/23/g-s1-94600/clack-is-back-car-talk-host-ray-magliozzi-returns-with-new-material-for-npr
@Ruby, awesome and accurate way to describe the interior. I had one and I miss it so much.
It's no surprise to me that you got kind engagement with others online; we get back what we put out into the world.
Today I'm thankful:
For my family, and how supportive they are. I am estranged from what I call my 'family of origin' but my DH and kids more than make up for that lack.
For my friends that I found these last two semesters; we bonded over A&P and are still staying in touch even though we're going in some different directions.
For books! Always, books.
For God and my faith, which have seen me through some difficult times and help me work towards a future where I'm helping more people in the world.
Happy New Year Kristen and everyone!
My thankfuls:
1. I usually don't do a lot for New Year's but last night I went to a party and then to a club with a friend. When we got back the Stranger Things finale had dropped so we watched that and went to bed super late, but it was a fun start to the year! We also went for lunch the day before.
2. I had a lovely Christmas with my parents and sister.
3. I've been enjoying walks in the countryside and nearby.
4. I had a fun film night with my sister, her partner and their cat!
5. This is rather sad, but I found out my paternal grandparents lost quite a few siblings at young ages due to TB. I am thankful for vaccinations, good health and wonderful healthcare workers such as Kristen to improve our quality of life and look after our wellbeing.
Happy New Year!
I woke up on this chilly morning to a brand new year. New Year's Day is always a day of reflection and hope for me. It is a time of endings and new beginnings. I am thankful for this day and this feeling.
At today's traditional New Year's Day dinner, there will be only two places set. One for DH and one for me. I usually have a houseful of family on this day, but everyone is traveling this New Year's. Although I will miss them, I am really thankful for this. Christmas was overwhelming this year, and I am looking forward to the quiet for a change.
I am thankful for all the special moments of 2025. It was not an easy year, but there were moments of pure love and joy. I experienced the awe of seeing dozens of massive gray whales when out on the Monterey Bay along with otters and sea lions. I saw beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I stuck my toes in a beautiful -and very cold - glacial lake high in the Sierras. I enjoyed the laughter of my grandchildren and bear hugs from my sons. I breathed a sigh of relief when we successfully prevented environmentally sensitive land from falling in the hands of a developer. I celebrated 40 years of marriage to my sweet husband. For these things and more, I am truly grateful.
Lastly, I am thankful for Kristen and all of you who make life a bit better and kinder. May the coming year be full of blessings for everyone.
@Bee, this is beautifully said and a good reminder of what’s most important in a year—or a life.
This week I'm particularly thankful that we had a safe and uneventful 3-day road trip from Minnesota to Arizona. Whenever we take a trip by car or air I always think we could die, so I make sure to have all of our affairs in tip-top order. Am I the only one who thinks/does this?
@MB in MN,
I am glad you had a safe and uneventful trip. I love to travel and don't worry too much. However, there are two exceptions:
1) I hate to land when flying. I pray the whole time.
2) I am terrified whenever I have to drive through Atlanta. I think that it is the worst traffic any where.
@Bee, Me too, I always have that fear. I’m glad you do it anyway!
@MB in MN,
You are not the only one. I think this every time and try to prepare.
@Bee, traveling through Atlanta--whether by car or air--is the pits. The last time I drove through it (2009), I almost had a nervous breakdown.
@Bee, We drive through (or around) Atlanta when we go on our yearly trip, and it's the only part of the trip I dread.
@MB in MN, nope you are not alone - I try to have all my affairs in order before a trip or before we travel seasonally. It motivates me to get things done, bills paid or paid in advance and documents easily available to whoever would need them in my absence. I also travel (seasonally) with important legal documents - just in case.
@Bee, I live in Atlanta!! Even us natives hate our traffic, there's never a time of day when interstates are clear!! I always feel sorry for folks who have to pass through on vacation.
As always, this group of people are so thankful for you, Kristen! We love your positive outlook even when you feel low. It's nice to be able to communicate with everyone looking out for each other.
I am so thankful to be into 2026 because that means my working days are numbered. So looking forward to it. And my apologies if I keep harping on retirement. After spending 34 years at this company, it is time to say good-bye and enjoy life. I will not continue to work at this place just for the "comfort" of it like I have been. And nothing says comfort for working at home the past 22 years.
I am thankful for finding a gym that I absolutely love and the coaching that has helped me progress as much as I have. This year I plan to really work at mobility. I really need to move more and this will help. And I actually don't mind waking up at 6:00 AM just to go to the gym. Helps with the mentally of sitting in a chair all day!
I am thankful that along with the gym I have managed to lose almost 35 lbs. It's been hard and easy, but I have met many people along the way that help me. Here's to the next 40 lbs to come off in 2026.
And here is to coming back here each day and seeing so many of the same names. Even when I retire and I am not at my desk every day, it will be nice to see you all. Happy New Year!
@Maureen,
Congratulations on your weight loss. That's awesome. You can look forward to retirement and better health in 2026.
Enjoy your days off!
Some bigger thankfuls for the past and coming years:
Through a DNA match, we connected with twin nieces we didn't know we had. They are grown women with children of their own and we have formed such a sweet relationship with them. It's been wonderful.
I pretty much retired the last quarter of 2025 but it's official now. A new chapter for me. (My husband has been retired 11 years and I was self-employed, so I'm not sure how much will change.)
Our friend group keeps expanding, which is a delightful surprise at our age.
@Cindi, Congratulations on your retirement!
I'm so profoundly grateful today . . .
-That our family has had this last week off to spend together. The first couple of days with all four kids home felt like a lot, but I think it was because I was still wound tight from work and life. Once we got past the craziness of Christmas and now that we have been able to just sleep in and putter around the house for a few days, it has been pretty blissful.
-For the jobs I'm interviewing for and the jobs I've applied to. I have a lot to offer an employer, but for a lot of reasons both personal and systemic, this multi-year job search has been agonizing and unsuccessful. However, my current gig runs out this summer, so something will have to change. I'm grateful to have options and find myself somehow feeling optimistic about what may come in 2026.
-For my husband and our marriage, which has been my rock through these challenging years. I'm so joyful in my soul that hardship has inspired us to work together to solve problems. I don't know what I'd do without him.
-For going into 2026 in a better financial place than 2025. We were just about at the breaking point at this time last year. Since then we've made some major changes and experienced a little luck. We are not where we want to be yet, but we are getting there.
-For stability in our health. We've dealt with multiple scary health conditions in the last couple of years. But right now we are at a point where our doctors think I might be cancer-free and our daughter hasn't had a seizure in a year. Neither of us is out of the woods, but I am so grateful to see some light peaking through.
@Amanda in VA, what a wonderful list!
@Amanda in VA,
I hope in 2026 you will receive word that you are cancer- free, and you will find your dream job.
Happy New Year!
I am enjoying the fact that I don’t have to be back at work till Monday, and starting next week, I will work only 3 days a week through January, possibly February. I might drop to two days a week in February. Then I’m done.
1. I’m thankful that my DD 2 and her daughter had a safe flight to Washington state to visit her old friend even though they had delays. And that their delayed flight got them an upgrade when they finally got seated on a plane. I’m always thankful that the friend they are flying to see has been DD2’s best friend for their entire lives, so 40 years now. That’s a gift.
2. I’m thankful for the nice little NYE get together at DD1’s house yesterday. It included 4 young children , 2 of whom had to show me their new basketball skills, which is a perfect way to celebrate, if you ask me.
3. I will again mention my neighbor’s removal of the dead tree from my yard. He still has work to do in his own yard and he’s in his eighties so this is a real blessing that he took time out for me.
4. I’m thankful for the bright sun on this chilly day.
5. I’m thankful for quiet times to reflect, pray and plan. After 8 years of 11-13 hour days, when you include my commute, working full time, having time to sit is pure delight.
So grateful for this second year of retirement:
Both my husband and son at this moment asleep under the same roof. My boy has fallen deeply in love with a wonderful gal. I think our days of just the three of us are numbered. This is a great thing but a little bittersweet moving to the next stage of parenting an only child.
Safe travels in visiting my fifth continent in Africa. In February I will be traveling to my last two continents Singapore (Asia) and Darwin, Australia.
My international traveling days will be most likely done for the next few years. My parents are in their 90s; my husband will undergo radiation for prostate cancer; we will hopefully be moving into the River House renovation. I am grateful to be present and helpful to all the loved ones in my life.
Happy 2026, everyone!
Kristen, I'm glad you made the last several days better for your patients who spent the holidays hospitalized. I'm sure you were a blessing to them.
My thankfuls:
1. We didn't have the usual barrage of fireworks last night. The only time we had multiples upon multiples of popping was at midnight, but the rest of the time, the fireworks were few and far between. However, one loud bang startled Snuggles and I suddenly found myself with a panicky 51-pound dog jumping up on my stomach as I was laying in bed. Ouch!
2. I had places to go to and friends to be with on Christmas Day. Also, the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day church services were very meaningful and made me feel close to God.
3. Despite no longer substitute teaching, I'm not in the poor house. Working only one PT job is actually do-able. Also, getting the Social Security and pensions that make this possible, and also allowed me to make some improvements to my home.
4. Friendly customers and coworkers at my retail job. A definite sense of community there! Ditto, the commentariat here.
5. The annual medical checkup at the oncologist showed that I am still cancer free.
@Fru-gal Lisa,
Blessings to you this NY day! A boring cancer check up is wonderful.
I did my VERY best to bring some good cheer to their rooms. 🙂 And I think I succeeded.
Happy New Year!
Today I am thankful:
*that the first leg of my boys' drive back to college is complete and that they have a place to stop this afternoon for a little rest.
*for personal growth. I have a lot to learn about parenting adult children, but I think I've made some strides recently. I also feel more confident about myself and my abilities lately. I'm also happy that some things no longer upset me much--say, killing a sourdough starter.
*for a fun meal with my housemates last evening. We spent some time talking about our favorites of the past year. That was nice.
*that I learned how easily to make a tasty mug of hot chocolate with no sweetener
*that our whole roof didn't blow off in the wind last night-- just a few shingles.
*that our kitchen is put back together. There is no longer kitchen in the schoolroom, kitchen in the living room, or kitchen in my bedroom. It is all in the kitchen, and even usually remember where most things live (in new places). I like how the kitchen looks all finished. I feel like I can breathe again now that most things in the house are put to rights. (Not everything. Things were displaced by the Christmas tree, but I don't want to hurry that out the door yet.)
@Jody S., please share about making a tasty mug of hot chocolate with no sweetener!!
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, All I do is put a heaping spoonful of cocoa powder in a mug (how much really depends on the size of the mug), pour boiling water in, and give it a stir. Then I add cream to my liking. That's it. The cream makes it not taste too bitter for me. I was very surprised by how much I like it, but I have sort of weaned myself from liking sweet drinks anyway.
Also, there's usually sludge at the bottom when the liquid is gone... so I add a little more water and stir. It's just as good. (And maybe a bit more cream.)
@Jody S., thank you! I will try this. I put the cocoa powder in my coffee sometimes, but it is quite bitter. I’m also familiar with the sludge. 🙂
I'm late to the party here because I just got back from driving the Bestest Neighbors to the airport for their annual London theatre trip, through some more of the undelightful winter weather we've been not enjoying in the Salt City (which has made the NYT and other national news). However, I'm thankful to have made the trek safely, and thankful for the modern plane de-icing equipment that will enable their flight to leave on time.
Thankful to the BNs for their pre-trip refrigerator cleanout, which included a whole package of lox left over from Dr. BN's latke party! So "Mama Kodiak" here gets to enjoy more salmon.
Also thankful for "King James," my winter snow and summer yard guy, who volunteered to come over on New Year's morning to make getting out of my and the BNs' driveways easier for me. He hadn't been going to make a run today, but there was more snow overnight than any of us expected.
And thankful now just to kick back in my recliner, enjoy the birds mobbing my feeders, and do some catching up here and at the NCA. Wishing Kristen and the entire Commentariat all the best in 2026.
@A. Marie, we got less snow overnight than we expected. I dressed up to go and shovel and clean off the car before work only to be pleasantly surprised by two inches rather than the 6 they sort of predicted. Yay!!
Last year had its share of ups and downs for me. But, as my therapist pointed out, the good and bad can coexist.
*And although I love my therapist for her calm and affirming ways, it was time to tell her goodbye and this is a great thing, considering.
*I handled a kitchen dishwasher disaster on my own this week. Thinking quick, I shut off the water and grabbed the shop vac. Will the repair be pricey? probably. But I have funds for it. And a good repair guy!
*The weather in central Texas is insanely beautiful with full sun and 60 degrees! A nice long walk and lunch at a park are on my New Year's Day list.
*I did not get called in last night and went to bed super early, as is my NYE tradition and it was wonderful.
*I got all of my Christmas decor taken down and stored neatly and the house looks and smells great, and really, is there anything better? Tonight I will make myself a good dinner and read my book club selection in my flannel pj's - such luxury!
Happy New Year!
I love the New Year's Eve outfits. So relatable.
Thankful that we had a nice visit with my husband's family, that the drive was safe, that I found someone at the last minute to care for the cats when my regular person got sick, for my family, who have been pitching in to get the house settled since our return last night, and for a new year.
Your comment about young guys liking the car of a middle-aged woman resonated with me. For awhile, my ’96 Accord was the most stolen vehicle in the state, and Fresno was close to being the car theft capital. My friend was a sheriff in Fresno and she told me that the only cars like mine that she ever saw were driven by gang-bangers. If I visited her at her work, I got to park my car in the basement of the sheriff’s department. 🙂
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, Accords that had automatic transmissions. The chance of a manual transmission Accord being stolen was minute. Not to sound morbid but once I'm widowed, I will have another manual transmission vehicle - likely a Civic as I don't think it is an option for an Accord these days.
@Selena, you mean I didn’t have to park in the sheriff department’s basement?? I often said that I didn’t think that bad guys knew how to drive stick, and I figure the number of people in general who can will continue to decline.
Love your positive dream car viral post. Kinda like a car party.
We partied at the neighbors after our volunteer fire dept meeting, community potluck and barn basketball game, we went home changed into jeans and warmer sweaters and headed to the neighbor's enclosed arena. After jumping the younger horses we then cleared out the jumps and put on a liberty horse clinic using the older horses first and then the younger horses. It was so much fun!
The neighbors put on a fireworks display that rivals big city programs. Today is cuddle next to the fire and read. Dinner is Bean soup, green salad and cornbread waffles.
Here's my grateful top five:
I'm grateful that my children who were all elsewhere last night were safe. My son had to drive in challenging conditions but he is home now after spending the night with friends. My husband had to wake me up at midnight but we had a nice evening in regardless.
I'm grateful that I have been seeing and have future plans to spend time with a few dear friends this holiday season.
I'm grateful that I began my morning with a year-long daily devotional. Freedom of worship is something I try to appreciate and not take for granted.
I'm grateful that I have a few more days of vacation where I can rest and relax.
I'm grateful that our financial situation has improved.
Happy New Year to you, Kristen, and the Commentariat!
Thankful today for a run on a drizzly morning. I can’t and won’t take my health for granted.
thankful for you. thankful that my zozo is getting better. no discharge plans yet. thankful for hubby and my son who is so funny and makes me laugh.
So glad she is getting better. Yay!!
@Kristen, thanks.
Happy New Year, All!
My most thankful this year, is the church family that has adopted me. As a single lady (old), there are many times I cannot do things for myself. I suspect that if my siblings were closer in proximity we would provide mutual aid, but since they are not, this family fills the bill. And besides that, the kid therapy is priceless. None of the kids have been shy and will sidle up to me for personal conversations that warm my heart. I could not have done without my mowing guy and his dad digging Molly's grave for me and extolling sympathy and hugs.
I am thankful for the good night's rest. I was awake a short while at midnight, but unapologetically slept until 12:30p. I am thankful for the leftover teriyaki chicken that I scarfed down when I woke up. I ate three meals from that order and it hit the spot every time.
I am looking forward to retiring some time in the next few months. I love the souls I care for, but the politics and sabotaging my circadian rhythm are taking a toll on my mind and health.
I am thankful for this gentle place and the joy herein.
I am sooo thankful we found me a new/used bicycle on facebook marketplace.I am the most patient person on earth (sometimes) and I have been looking for about 6 months.My 38 year old Schwinn beach cruiser (old lady bike) (also bought used!) has gone its last mile,husband can no longer repair it. TODAY we started the new year with a completely refurbished SCHWINN, a man 5 miles from here redoes old bikes in his garage for a hobby..and every single part of my new “Barbie pink” bike has been replaced/restored/refurbished..and it rides like a dream. I needed some gears,so I get a better work out.. and I bicycle almost every morning for 30-45 minutes.. helps my new bionic hip stay strong plus my MENTAL health loves the peace and beauty of riding all the local neighborhoods.. so..YAY! THANKFUL IN THE EXTREME! I waited till the RIGHT BIKE at the right price showed up.
I am soo thankful for my old crock pot.. it provides us with many nice meals.Today I cut up a purple cabbage and added some pieces of pork from freezer, apples, onions, and made a sweet and sour cabbage dinner to have while we watch movies later.
I am VERY grateful that my small family, each of us, is in pretty good health starting this year.It’s been up and down in that department since 2021..and I am hugely hugely hugely thankful.I plan to keep it up and even IMPROVE my health habits to keep us on a roll.Good food,,exercise,good thinking,meditation prayer,friendships,family, Amen!
Kristen,
I love everything about this post. I think it's AWESOME that your dream car was an *attainable* dream car! If one wishes for, say, a Mazerati, how likely is that gonna happen? (Now watch all the Mazerati owners come out of the woodwork! Ha.) I'm with the Toyota commenter who says "you bought a great car". (We're a Toyota family).
My thankfuls:
My incredible friends. We've been there for each other through thick and thin, and I love them all so much. One of them just invited me to see Hamilton (the live play) on Sunday, because she has an extra ticket. I will treat her to dinner, since she refuses $ for the ticket!
My work friends. Much like you mention, Kristen, we all work together and help each other. 5 of us worked yesterday, and it was bonkers - the hospital is stuffed full to overflowing, sooooo many people sick with flu, Covid, and/or pneumonia - but we made it work!
My hubby and son. Hubs picks up so much of the slack with house things that require someone to be home (carpet cleaner, furnace maintenance, etc) as well as our son's doctor appointments, etc. His work schedule is so much more flexible than mine, and I'm thankful for that as well. Our son is growing up to be a kind, thoughtful, talented, smart and funny young man, and I'm so proud to be his mom.
That I have the opportunity to retire at the end of this year. I might stay on part time in a different position in the hospital system where I work, but it's time to let someone younger take my position as a hospital dietitian. (My horrible boss is another reason why I would only stay there in a different role, but that's not something I want to dwell on).
Christmas cookies, and the talented baker friends I know who bake and share them. 🙂
My Buy Nothing group. I have been given so many things I can use, and given away so much clutter. I've met some wonderful people in my community, too.
For this lovely place on the Internet that is so inviting and friendly. I feel like so many folks in the Commentariat are friends, even though we live in far flung parts of the country and world. (I do miss Rose from Long Island....I hope she is doing okay).
Happy New Year, one and all!
Exactly! If you have an attainable dream car, you can actually HAVE your dream. 🙂
@Kristen, hence my little Subaru Impreza 🙂 So glad you got your Honda!
*I'm thankful that we only got two inches of snow overnight rather than the six inches predicted. I usually love shoveling as it is a great form of exercise, but 5 days in a row of shoveling can wear on a person.
*I'm thankful my husband has taken over the vacuuming now that he is retired. It is my least favorite (is any cleaning favorite=NO) chore. Does he miss spots? Yes, but I still have to do it way less, which I love.
*I'm thankful my place of work is allowing me to work overtime, which is padding my bank account before I retire in a few years.
Happy New Year to you, Kristen, and the Commentariat!
This week I'm thankful:
- that hubby and I did not catch the flu from our grandson. His other grandparents, our daughter and SIL all got sick on Christmas eve after we'd all gone on a Santa train ride a few days prior.
- that both our kids live very close by, and we get to see them often.
- that when we were leaving after a visit with our daughter and grandson, our grandson was signing for more and saying "more Nana". Makes Nana's heart full for him to want to spend more time with me.
- that hubby was happy for just the two of us to stay home on NYE.
- to be off work until Monday.
Very, very thankful for our first grandchild, a son. He was born on New Years day halfway around the world. We will see him in March when we go for an extended visit.
Thankful for a great 2025 when both of my kids got their Masters Degrees, Hubby and I had a couple of trips and are still loving retirement.
Ohhh, congratulations!! I'm so happy for you and your family!
Thankful for:
The kids doing the traveling to us for Christmas even after hitting a deer, cutting his hand which required stitches, and his furnace going out on a Friday and not being fixed till Monday. They were delayed but still made it.
All of our nieces and nephews were at the Christmas party the first time being together in 10 years. That was wonderful.
That my workplace is closed for 2 weeks for the holiday and I am so thankful as the roads have been horrible most of the week.
For some free time to work on a puzzle.
Thankful that fireworks last night were short, I think most people did not want to be outside as it was bitterly cold.
Happy New Year!
I'm thankful:
- That we got the Christmas decorations put up today, our living room feels so big now and more light comes in without the tree in the window.
- That we ended the year better than we started it.
- A nice one-night getaway to a historic hotel
- Good food
- Warm weather
Happy new year, Kirsten, and everyone! I am thankful for a place to share my gratitudes and frugal wins and losses.
I am grateful that my sister-in-law traveled safely here even if it exhausts me. She talks all.the.time...
I am grateful that our adopted feral cat stays healthy after expensive vet care and with a prescription diet. She is very sweet and affectionate.
I am grateful that the pain meds for my wonky knee work well.
And I am grateful to be hearing happy news from my sister, who has had too many tragedies in the past few years. She and her husband have bought a different house that will be free of traumatic memories.
That is so cool about the nice car guys 🙂 I hope things are going well with the Civic!
This week I was thankful for:
Sunshine, that came back after overcast days of snow and cold.
Phillipa Gregory's Cousins' War series, that kept me intrigued during those dark dreary days.
My Walgreens store -- always in easy walking distance, and always stocked with most everything I need in a pinch.
My local hospital -- where I get my lab work done, and they are so efficient and everybody is always so nice.
The rapid transit, that runs so often, is always free (to me, as a senior city of a certain income) and has a station a ten-minute walk from my door.
I am just catching up on a couple weeks of posts after the holidays and wanted to say that I, too, bought a Honda civic hybrid in 2026 and it was my absolute dream car as well. My dream car was always either a Toyota or Honda (check - Honda), had heated seats (check), and a hybrid (check). I got all three this time and feel so incredibly blessed and happy. (This car is also my first new car ever, my last car was a hand me down from 2005 - I loved that car so much but she died in the middle of the road and it was just time to let go.) It's such a pleasure to be happy with achievable, small things - it makes life easier and more joyous!
A strange one: we started the new year with a covid + test, so there is not much going on here. I did not even know it would still be a thing?
End of last year, I had to slowly go off a quite agressive immunsupressive medication due to the side effects with nothing new lined up. That was pretty devastating. Now, the timeline is perfect.
Ohh, feel better soon!